UK House Price Balance Improves in January

The RICS UK Residential Market Survey showed the house price balance rose to -10% in January 2026 from a revised -13% in December, marking a third straight monthly improvement and the strongest reading since June. The outturn also came in above market expectations of -11%, adding to signs of a tentative recovery in the housing market. Regional disparities remain pronounced as Northern Ireland and Scotland continued to report price gains, while respondents in the North West and the North of England indicated that prices are trending higher. In contrast, net balances in London, the South West, the South East and East Anglia remained more negative than the national average, though each region saw a moderation in the pace of decline. Commenting on the data, RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn said: “There are early signs that market conditions may be improving after a challenging period, although activity levels are still subdued, meaning any recovery is likely to be gradual.”